Where did you pitch? In 2015 I pitched at the NY Pitch Conference (aka Algonquin Writer’s Conference) and the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference both in New York City.
What genre / age group did you pitch? I pitched my book as Young Adult but I was told at the Writer’s Digest conference that it could also be pitched as New Adult.
How did you prepare? After writing and re-writing the pitch, I practiced reading it a lot, which helped me to memorize. Although they recommend you not read your pitch to an agent, I did have my pitch in front of me (more for reassurance) and I glanced down at it a few times. Personally, I don’t like to stare the agent in the eyes the entire time I speak, so I liked that I could look down and scan my paper a few times, although I already knew what I wanted to say. We only had three minutes to pitch an agent at the WD Conference, and only 90 seconds of that time is for to you say your pitch. With that in mind, I also found it very helpful to time myself when I practiced.
What was the experience of pitching like? It was a bit nerve wracking but, prior to the actual pitch, the agents spoke on a panel and explained how they are often surprised how nervous writers are to approach them and tell their pitch. They encourage people to relax and feel comfortable with the story they are pitching. I tried to take that advice and I found that after my first agent, I was anxious to pitch more.
How did the pitches go? It went well. I received requests from a few different agents. A couple of agents, although I did research them before hand, suggested the book might be a better fit for someone else in their agency, and gave me the name of their colleague. In the end, I just wish there was more time to get to all the agents that were a good fit for my book.
What did you learn from the process? That it’s very important to be prepared and well organized. It’s also important to keep your nerves at bay.
Read Danielle’s pitch here https://novelpitch.com/sample-pitch-the-divine-heart-by-danielle-r-mani/
Danielle R. Mani is a former elementary school teacher and writer. A huge fan of speculative fiction in print and film, she wanted her first book to fall within this category. In her young adult novel, The Divine One, Ms. Mani combines supernatural fiction with the everyday dramas of young adulthood. She loves to read and write novels that are fast-paced and full of twists and turns. Ms. Mani h olds a master of science degree in education and a bachelor of arts degree in public relations and is currently pitching her newest YA novel, The Divine Heart, to agents. She resides in Westchester, New York, with her husband, four young children and menagerie of pets!
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